Name: Croque Madame with Fried Egg
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: French cuisine
Ingredients: 4 pcs sourdough bread (thick slices); 4 oz comte cheese (grated); 4 pcs smoked ham (slices); 2 pcs large egg; 2 tbsp butter (softened); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk (warm); 0.25 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated); 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

A golden-brown croque madame sandwich is topped with a perfectly fried egg, its sunny yolk glistening under warm kitchen light, ready to be devoured.

Prep: 10 min • Cook: 15 min. An elevated Croque Monsieur crowned with a perfectly fried egg, allowing the runny yolk to meld with the savory ham, melted cheese, and béchamel for a decadent meal, a classic French bistro staple.

Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Servings: 2

Instructions

Prepare Béchamel Sauce

1Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
2Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble and Cook Croque Madame

1Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
2Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce on each slice. Top with a slice of ham and half of the grated Comte cheese over each.
3Cover with the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up. Spread more béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches, then sprinkle with the remaining Comte cheese.
4Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5Meanwhile, in a separate pan, fry the two eggs to your liking (preferably sunny-side up with a runny yolk).

Serve

1Carefully remove the Croque Madame from the oven. Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich.
2Serve immediately, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side.

Instructions

Prepare Béchamel Sauce

1Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
2Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble and Cook Croque Madame

1Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
2Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce on each slice. Top with a slice of ham and half of the grated Comte cheese over each.
3Cover with the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up. Spread more béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches, then sprinkle with the remaining Comte cheese.
4Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5Meanwhile, in a separate pan, fry the two eggs to your liking (preferably sunny-side up with a runny yolk).

Serve

1Carefully remove the Croque Madame from the oven. Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich.
2Serve immediately, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 851 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Fat: 56 g
Carbs: 40 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	851 kcal
Protein	45 g
Fat	56 g
Carbs	40 g

Tips

Grate your cheese before you start cooking; it melts more evenly and quickly.
Watch the broiler closely; the cheese can go from perfect to burned in seconds.
A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.